Mr D. Sneddon
Regional Director Hunter and Central Coast Regions
Department of Urban Affairs and Planning
Level 4 251 Wharf Road
NEWCASTLE 2300

Dear Doug,

Objection Merewether Street Wharf Subdivision DA 250/08/2000 Request to be heard before a Commission of Inquiry

Your attention is drawn to the subdivision Development Application for the creation of lots to accommodate a development for a residential hotel and apartments proposed for Merewether Street Wharf at Newcastle. Part of Wharf Rd was compulsorily acquired by proclamation 21/7/2000.

Parks and Playgrounds Movement has strong objections to the exhibited subdivision DA because it does not implement the clear intention of the REP for Central Honeysuckle or the link spaces connecting existing city with the harbour along the Merewether and Argyle street corridors . We specifically ask the Minister to establish a Commission of Inquiry before a determination is made.

The Subdivision has been exhibited without reference to the REP amendment No. 3 and also prejudges the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning’s determination of the DA.

The intention of the REP is clear in its intent to an ordinary person. Bona-fide citizens do not expect the Minister’s plan to be subverted by the disregard of the objectives the triggered instruments of the plan.

The Movement is deeply concerned at the deception that has been perpetrated in the name of planning in this area. In the first instant the Honeysuckle Development Corporation falsely advertised for expressions of interest stating that the Newcastle Council had all planning zoning and controls in place to allow for the development. The fact was that they did not have the zoning in place for development and a rezoning was needed.

City Council began the rezoning process but was blamed for not approving a development.

The facts were, that there was no development nor was there a Development Application for a development that could be approved.

Lastly there was a direction by the Minister to call-in the non-existent development which naturally never happened. The Minister then directed that an REP be prepared and that he assume the role of Consent Authority for Honeysuckle.

The REP No 3 was subsequently placed on exhibition and made by the Minister 10/12/2000.

The REP has not been superseded, repealed or amended and is the current superior plan for Honeysuckle and we maintain that the subdivision should comply with the detail and spirit of the statutory REP. We ask that this subdivision be considered at the Commission of Inquiry.

Yours sincerely,

Enclosure: Public Domain Plan
Parks and Playgrounds Movement Subdivision Plan